Bicester Pilates - Pilates Classes in Bicester

Pilates works by strengthening, lengthening and toning muscles, as well as improving posture and balance and increasing flexibility.

"In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new
body" Joseph H Pilates

Pilates was first introduced almost a hundred years ago by Joseph H Pilates as a method of body conditioning and is still popular
today.

During a pilates class we start with warm up exercises, before undertaking a carefully designed programme to work on key
muscle groups - particularly the deeper stabilising muscles.

Renowned for developing 'core' strength, pilates gradually helps you gain a more toned physique with improved posture. Each
class will be slightly different so you don't get bored, and will offer various levels making classes suitable for beginners and those with pilates experience. Men and women are
welcome.

Freedom Pass - as many classes (pilates, yoga or qigong) as you wish in any 4 week period £48

Most people choose to pay by bank transfer (I'll give you the details when you come to your first class). If you do need to pay
cash, please try to bring the correct change.

Class booking terms and conditions:

Health questionnaire to be completed prior to commencing first class. If you elect to pay the 'consecutive weeks' rate to benefit
from the reduced price, all classes must be taken within that term - no carry overs. Drop in rate is subject to availability - please check there is a place available to avoid disappointment.
Freedom Pass is non transferrable and runs for 4 weeks from date of issue.

Elaine is a fully qualified, experienced and insured pilates instructor.
I have a Level 3 Diploma in teaching Mat Pilates.

Pilates is an exercise class with the focus on precision and alignment, and core, whilst working with good breathing technique

Your teacher - Elaine Whittaker

I have attended pilates classes myself for many years - and always enjoyed them. Already qualified as a yoga teacher, I decided to undertake
further training in how to teach pilates and and in 2013 gained my Level 3 qualification. Subsequently I have attended further teacher
training workshops to continue to develop my teaching skills.

Key Principles of Mat Pilates

The basic fundamentals of pilates are :

Breathing

Lateral, or thoracic breathing - which involves breathing into the lower back and lateral (side) area of ribs. This helps keep abdominals engaged and can reduce tension on the neck and
shoulders.

Control

A focus on technique, ensuring the right muscles are used at the right time to create the desired movement.

Concentration

Awareness of body position, active and inactive muscles and breath. To ensure movements are performed correctly.

Centring

Keeping the core engaged and making this the point from which movement flows outwards from.

Precision

Giving careful attention to joint and limb alignment at the beginning of, throughout, and at the end of each movement to ensure movements are performed effectively.

Flow

All movements are performed smoothly and slowly without force or jerking.

Did you know .....

....that there are 34 original exercises in the pilates programmes originally designed by Joesph Pilates - these are performed with modifications and adaptation to make them suitable to all levels
of practice. Whether you are a complete beginner or have been doing pilates for years, you can enjoy pilates, working at a level to suit you.